What is the difference between different Lactation Professionals?
- Melanie Kondrat
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
What’s the Difference Between All the Lactation Credentials?
Understanding Who’s Who in Breastfeeding Support – From Dragonfly Lactation in Knoxville, TN
If you’ve ever searched for breastfeeding support, you might’ve noticed that not all providers have the same credentials. You’ll see initials like IBCLC, CLC, CLE, and others—but what do they all mean?
At Dragonfly Lactation, we know how important it is to understand your options and feel confident in your care. Let’s break down the different types of lactation professionals—and why working with an IBCLC is often the best choice for more complex or individualized breastfeeding needs.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant- IBCLC
The Gold Standard in Lactation Care
An IBCLC is the most highly trained and certified lactation professional. These consultants are internationally board-certified and required to:
Complete 90+ hours of lactation-specific education
Gain hundreds (often over 1,000) hours of clinical experience
Pass a comprehensive exam covering breastfeeding, human lactation, and infant development
Maintain their certification through ongoing education
IBCLCs are the only lactation credential recognized as a clinical provider, which means they can assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of feeding issues. They often work in hospitals, private practices (like Dragonfly Lactation!), NICUs, and pediatric settings.
Good to know: IBCLCs are often covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act and
can provide care prenatally, postpartum, or during complex feeding transitions.
Certified Lactation Counselor -CLC
A CLC is a professional who has completed a 45-hour training course and passed a final exam. They have a strong foundation in breastfeeding education and can offer support for basic feeding questions, positioning, and encouragement.
CLCs are often WIC peer counselors, nurses, doulas, or other professionals who want to deepen their ability to support breastfeeding families.
Good to know: CLCs are not board-certified and do not require clinical mentorship hours. They are great for basic education and emotional support but may refer to an IBCLC for more advanced issues.
CLE / CBS / LEC and Others – Educator-Based Credentials
These credentials vary depending on the training organization, and include:
CLE – Certified Lactation Educator
CBS – Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
LEC – Lactation Education Counselor
These programs typically offer 20–45 hours of education and focus on breastfeeding education and advocacy, not clinical care. Many doulas, childbirth educators, and peer supporters hold these certificates to guide families in the basics and connect them to clinical care when needed.
Good to know: These are great for education and support groups but are not clinical certifications. They do not provide hands-on problem solving for complex issues.
So… Who Should You See?
All lactation support is valuable, and there’s a role for everyone on the care team—but when you’re experiencing breastfeeding challenges like:
Painful latch or nipple trauma
Low milk supply or oversupply
Slow weight gain or ineffective feeding
Pumping complications or exclusive pumping questions
Breastfeeding after NICU or tongue-tie release
Induced lactation or re-lactation
...an IBCLC is the most qualified provider to help.
At Dragonfly Lactation, You’re in Expert Hands
Our team is led by IBCLCs—because you and your baby deserve the very best care. Whether you're preparing during pregnancy or facing unexpected challenges postpartum, we’re here with gentle, evidence-based support. If you’re looking for lactation help in Knoxville or Farragut, we’d love to work with you.
Need Breastfeeding Support?
Book with an IBCLC Today.
📍 10805 Kingston Pike, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37934
📞 865-268-3970
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